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Time for some of that thunder down under. And by that we mean the Australian Open starts today! It’s tennis baby – Australian style!

The Australian Open takes place in the city of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Melbourne is famous for being a sports mad city – it was even named the Sporting Capital of the World for the fourth time this year by Sport Business Magazine. In addition to the Australian Open Grand Slam, the city also hosts multiple cricket matches, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and many other events. It is also the spiritual home of Australian Rules Football, which holds its “Grand Final” at the Melbourne Cricket Ground every year.

While the fervor for sports is certainly intense in Melbourne, the Open itself is well-known as a languid departure from the other tennis majors. Unlike stuffy and tradition-bound Wimbledon or the hyper branded professionalism of the U.S. Open, the Australian Open is lauded for its festive, carnival-esque atmosphere. The fan are raucous and welcoming and the party doesn’t end. Colloquially known as “The Happy Slam,” the Australian Open is the favorite of many players.

In addition to its fun reputation, the slam is also well-known for producing some shocking upsets. Will any underdogs go far this year? I can’t wait to find out!

Men’s Draw

Novak Djokovic is looking to win his seventh Australian Open, which would set the record for most wins at that major. Djokovic currently shares the record with Aussie legend Roy Emerson, so don’t be too surprised if some natives root against him. Despite his dominance over the past few years, Djokovic is not world no. 1; that honor belongs to rival Andy Murray, who will participate in his first Grand Slam in that capacity.

All eyes will be on those two, but there is plenty of interest spread throughout the men’s draw. The ageless and indefatigable Roger Federer will be back looking to recapture some of the old magic. So will Rafael Nadal. Standbies like Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic and Gael Monfils will continue to try move past the velvet ropes of superstardom.

Perhaps the most intriguing player is the young Australian Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios has sometimes been more noted for his emotional outbursts than his play. Can he win over the hometown crowd and bring the Open championship back to its home?

Women’s Draw

Angelique Kerber is the world’s no. 1, but you can never count out the great Serena Williams. Williams will try to win her 23rd Grand Slam Singles title, which would move her past Steffi Graf on the all-time list. It would be the most Grand Slams for the Open Era; Margaret Court won 24 titles, some in the amateur era and some in the Open Era.

History aside, it’s hard to know when Williams might hang it up, so if  you’re a tennis fan it’s probably a good idea to try to catch every match you can.